Andy gripped the steering wheel tighter. He wouldn’t let that happen. At the end of it all, Narelle would be safe. Margot would be safe. And Camille would pay for what she’d done. They would get the answers they needed as to who Camille was working for. If it became apparent that person was associated in any way, shape or form with Viktor Koznovic’s organization, between them and Alliez Security, they would thwart theirtrafficking operation. Taking a Bratva leader down completely wasn’t possible, as the backlash from that would be fierce. But crippling one part of his empire to save men, women, and children from being bought and sold was a win.
“They’ve stopped at a small park about five hundred meters down the road,” Wilt announced, his fingers dancing over the keyboard.
“Anything around to suggest that they’re meeting anyone?” Andy slowed down. With not knowing the situation, there was no point driving right up to them. They had to be careful so that no one else got hurt.
“Not that I can see. There aren’t too many cameras in the area that I can hack into. I was tracking them through the car’s electronics.”
Andy had no idea how Wilt did half the stuff he did, but he was grateful that the guy had the skills.
“We should approach by foot, then.” And hope that Camille didn’t drive off while they were coming up to them. Andy had to believe there was a reason for Camille to stop where she did.
There didn’t seem to be any other cars around indicating Camille was meeting anyone, but it could mean they hadn’t arrived yet.
“We need to surround them so that we cut offtheir escape routes. I’m going to message the others and get them to move to different points. We’ll have them cornered,” Wilt said.
“Sounds good.” Andy itched to get out of the car and storm to Narelle, needing to hold her. If he did that, though, it could be a huge mistake, and it wasn’t one he was willing to make.
“Everyone’s in place.” Wilt stilled Andy’s fingers which were drumming on the steering wheel. “I know you want to race in there and get her, but you need to keep your head. Block out the emotions and treat this as any other mission.”
Under any other circumstance, Andy would be annoyed at Wilt lecturing him, but his friend was only doing what Andy would’ve have done if it was one of the other guys whose woman was in danger. Hell, Reed had dragged himself out of hospital after he’d been shot and had to have surgery, to get to Lauren after she’d been taken.
When it was the person you loved in danger, anyone would do what was necessary to keep them safe.
Andy blew out a breath. “I hear you. You take the lead.”
His friend nodded, and they both got out of thecar. Through the comms he could hear when the other members of his team were in position.
“Where are the police?” Andy queried, as they slunk down behind a tree that bordered the park. Camille’s car was parked about a hundred feet in front of them. Three heads were clear through the tinting, but he wasn’t sure about what was happening in the car.
“They’re about fifteen minutes out, we’ve cautioned them not to come in sirens blazing, as we don’t want to give anyone a heads up so they can disappear on us,” said Wilt.
“Roger.”
Andy watched as the rest of the team got into position. Adrenaline kicked in as it always did before they breached a building or took down an enemy. He latched onto the feeling and locked away his feelings for Narelle. For her to survive, he had to be the absolute best version of his soldier self.
“We go on your call, Wilt,” Steve’s voice came over the comms.
“On my count of five.” Wilt started the slow countdown, but Andy didn’t hear it. All he heard was the rhythmic beat of his heart. Slow and steady. Like he would be. “One.”
Andy jumped into action after Wilt. They came up behind the car, and he went to the side where he knew Narelle would be.
Wilt sprung up and tapped the butt of his gun on the driver’s window. “Game’s up! Get out of the car!”
In a blur of motion, Camille shoved the door open, causing Wilt to jump out of the way. “You aren’t going to stop me!” Camille screeched and fired her gun. Wilt went down, and Andy reacted without thought. He fired his own weapon twice. Once at Camille’s hand holding the gun, the next shot in her leg to bring her down.
As much as he wanted to do a kill shot, he still had the forethought to know that any information Camille had would be valuable, and they needed to get it from her. He trusted his team to subdue Narelle.
“Andy!” Narelle’s plea had him yanking her door open. She fell into his arms. He held her tight, his breaths coming out in ragged gasps as the realization that she was alive sank in.
“I’ve got you, honey. I’ve got you.” He kept saying the words over and over. All around him action was happening. Someone was looking after Wilt. Reed had Camille, who was screaming loudenough that the people in the far north of the state could likely hear her. Damon had Margot. But none of that mattered to him. All that mattered was the woman in his arms.
She was safe, and he was never letting her go.
Chapter
Twenty
Narelle didn’t care that her leg ached, or that she was having difficulty breathing. She was in Andy’s arms, a place she didn’t think she be ever again.
